CFAC Welcomes New Commander

By Lt. Cmdr. Pamela Bou
Posted: June 15, 2012

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea – Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) held a change of command ceremony in the base gym June 14.  
 

JINHAE, Republic of Korea (June 14, 2012) - Cmdr. Quinn Skinner, left, relieving Cmdr. Don Murray as commanding officer of U.S. Fleet Activities Chinhae during a change of command ceremony held June 14. More than 200 Sailors, family members, distinguished guests from the community and naval leaders from the Republic of Korea gathered on U.S. Fleet Activities Chinhae for the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Travis Simmons) | Download

Cmdr. Don Murray relieved Cmdr. Andy Weedon as commanding officer.

CFAC is the only U.S. Navy base in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and is located on the southern coast of the Korean peninsula. Approximately 120 Sailors and their families are stationed at CFAC.

"For the Sailors and civilian employees of Chinhae, I look forward to our important and dedicated service together," said Murray. "I want you to know that because of the great work that you do, day in and day out, Fleet Activities Chinhae has a top-notch reputation around the world."

Weedon also complemented the people he worked with for the past three years and thanked them for all of their hard work and creating an environment that makes many American Sailors want to come back to Korea.

"When you go back to the United States, you can tell the story of two nations with a strong alliance forged in blood, countries that have never fought against each other and instead have supported each other in conflicts spanning the globe," said Weedon.

Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, was the guest speaker and recognized the unprecedented bond between CFAC and the city of Jinhae.

"The number of ROK military and civilian officials from the city of Jinhae is a testimony of the strength and enduring relationship that Andy has fostered during his command," said Gumataotao. "The alliance between the ROK Navy and the U.S. Navy is stronger than it has ever been in the past and it's a credit to the hard work and extraordinary leadership by people like Andy."

Weedon, whose next duty assignment will be at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington D.C., wished Murray a wonderful tour in Korea experiencing the local community and the Korean culture.

"In just a few years you will be up here in my spot and someone new will be chomping at the bit to take over," said Weedon. "I hope the next two years are so wonderful for you and your family that you understand why this is so hard for me today."

Murray, a native of Freedom, Okla., was assigned to Maritime Sealift Command, Joint Military Exchange Program, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command prior to become the commanding officer of CFAC.

CFAC is in the city of Jinhae. The "J" replaced "Ch" in Jinhae city when Korea standardized the English spelling across the nation. The name of the U.S. Navy base continued to be "Chinhae" because it is a proper noun.

CFAC's mission is to maintain and operate facilities and provide support to Sailors, Marines, families and U.S. Navy ships during peacetime, exercises and contingency operations.